Flower Bomb: RUNCHELLA

In conjunction with the exhibition Enunciated Life, take a deep dive into the genesis and evolution of melisma—or the vocal run—and the singers who perfected it. Exploring both the history of gospel music and the culture it created, the Flower Bomb collective, comprised of Joy Tribble, Morgan Rhodes, and Hans Elder, delves into live and recorded performances that are seminal moments in the genre, revisiting the music of artists like Daryl Coley, Karen Clark Sheard, Kim Burrell, Cissy Houston, Tasha Cobbs, and Jonathan McReynolds, as well as the secular artists they influenced, including Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy, Faith Evans, and Tank. The audience is invited to “give flowers” as the guests discuss favorite songs and their relationship to them.

Photo courtesy of caamuseum.org